Motorcycles Technology
CBR1000RR - Engineers Talk Part 2
The Future of the Super Sports Bike, Seen Through the CBR1000RR
Rider First: Evolving into CBR-RR, a New Genre
Miyagi
From our discussions, I’ve been able to feel the evolution of the CBR-RR as it journeys into a new era.
It has been a quarter of a century since the first generation CBR900RR. The motorcycle has evolved, but with the developments in computers and networks, mobility itself is on the brink of a major change.
How does Honda think the new era super sports bike should evolve?
Hosokawa
In time, there will be autonomous cars on the roads. For bikes, ridden by people, and especially super sports bikes, its value borne from being controlled by its rider, the electronic control technologies we developed for the CBR1000RR will become even more important for the coexistence with other means of transportation. We also believe the rate of evolution needs to increase.
The Honda Riding Assist we exhibited at CES2017 is one approach. For example, the bike is autonomous in the city and on the highway, but on winding roads, the rider can take control, and enjoy riding. This may be a good approach.
Honda Riding Assist
Concept model exhibited at CES2017, the world’s largest consumer electronics show. Balance control technology developed through Honda’s humanoid robot technologies such as ASIMO is applied to a motorcycle format. The bike can maintain its upright position with or without rider, and when the rider slightly loses balance, the bike compensates to maintain its upright position. This promises the reduction of instability at low speeds and while stationary, and the risk of falling while handling the bike.
Miyagi
If Honda Riding Assist can cover stability for ultra-slow speeds such as in the city, super sports will become more common. Personally, I hope this day comes soon. And I mean, very soon.
Hosokawa
We will continue this evolution without preconceived ideas, so that riders can continue to savor the joy of riding. The competition between manufacturers is fierce, but this is what we need to do.
Miyagi
In this day and age, I believe there are many rivals to the CBR1000RR. And not just from super sports bikes worldwide.
The money to buy a bike might be used to go on an overseas trip, and seeing a once-in-a-lifetime vista, or to buy a musical instrument or camera to express to the world one’s innermost feelings. There’s a lot to choose from in jewelry or chronographs to suit perfectly one’s tastes.
The CBR1000RR needs to provide as much value to the rider as these other things. As the development team, how do you view the value of tens of thousands of dollars?
Masatoshi Sato, CBR1000RR Project Leader
We consistently considered that while developing the CBR-RR.
We strongly believe the CBR1000RR can provide the joy of riding, controlling the bike according to your will, the thrill of sports riding. And we alone, with a quarter century of refinement, can provide the CBR-RR joy of riding, its “total control” performance.
With a CBR1000RR in your life, you can experience this joy any time. Every day. Anywhere, and as much as you like. The joy of bike riding can become a part of everyday life.
Hosokawa
That’s why we were adamant the CBR-RR be enjoyable over a wide range of situations, from urban streets to the race track, and with electronic control, we built in “rider first” controls so that the rider can grow with the bike.
Masatoshi Sato, CBR1000RR Project Leader
Sato
This I can say proudly. I’m confident the new CBR1000RR is an outstandingly high quality super sports bike. Not just the performance, but the piping and harness handling, how the bolts look. The design of the cowl edge. We pursued quality. We also took the paint finish to new heights, so even after ten years, the bike will be as good as new. It’s a bike that can be enjoyed over a long period of time.
Miyagi
Mr. Sato, looking back on the development of the new CBR1000RR, what are your overall thoughts as project leader?
Sato
The CBR1000RR is said to be the model that created the super sports genre. I feel, however, that it has become a new form of mobility, the “Fireblade,” that puts the rider first, and distanced itself from the many competitors that put performance first.
To learn the joy of riding a bike, to want to enjoy every day, every weekend. Wanting to seek more fun. I believe this is the ideal bike for riders who think this way.
Miyagi
The CBR-RR builds upon a concept unchanged over 25 years, and takes its next step. We all look forward to its evolution in the future.
CBR1000RR - Engineers Talk
